Asia Society Best Employers Announced

16 May 2011

By Asia Society

NEW YORK — KPMG, Colgate-Palmolive, Cardinal Health, PepsiCo and GE were all big winners at Asia Society’s Third Annual Diversity Leadership Forum, which concluded Monday evening with an awards ceremony at the Time Warner Center in New York City. The one-day forum featured interactive workshops and culminated in an awards ceremony honoring companies at the forefront in promoting Asian Pacific American leaders and global diversity, based on the results of Asia Society’s “2011 Asian Pacific Americans Corporate Survey.”

The survey of employees from Fortune 500 and other large companies measures the corporate success of Asian Pacific Americans and explores how companies can create a supportive workplace that is conducive to the growth of both their business and their employees’ leadership capabilities. This year’s survey includes 56% more companies and 50% more employees participating over last year. The survey recognizes best employers in five categories:

KPMG named “Overall Best Employer for Asian Pacific Americans”

“KPMG is proud to have been recognized as Asia Society’s Best Employer for Asian Pacific Americans,” said Kathy Hopinkah Hannan, National Managing Partner, Diversity and Corporate Responsibility. “This award not only acknowledges our commitment to providing career-advancing programs and experiences for all our people; it also reaffirms for us that our Asian American employees and partners believe KPMG gives them the opportunities and resources they need to be successful and build careers that are personally fulfilling, as well as professionally rewarding.”

Colgate-Palmolive Company named “Best Company in Promoting APAs to Develop Workforce Skills”

“We’re proud to be recognized by the Asia Society. Colgate-Palmolive’s leadership position in the global marketplace is directly linked to the skills and unique contributions of our employees. Practical learning and professional growth are critical to our continued success. We invest continuously in the training and education of all Colgate people around the world,” said Eugene Kelly, Worldwide Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Cardinal Health named “Best Company for Support of the APA Community”

“At Cardinal Health, we believe that by respecting and appreciating diversity of thought, experience and background, we can be more innovative, increase employee engagement and improve customer and shareholder value,” said George S. Barrett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Health. “We are honored that the Asia Society has recognized our company again this year as the Best Company for Support of the Asian Pacific American Community and look forward to our continued collaboration on increasing understanding between Asian and American communities.”

PepsiCo named “Best Company in Promoting APAs into Senior Leadership Positions”

“PepsiCo is honored to be recognized by Asia Society as the Best Company in Promoting Asian Pacific Americans into Senior Leadership Positions, said Salman Amin, PepsiCo’s Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer. “At PepsiCo we know that Asian Americans are vital to our business growth and we are committed to investing in our employees to help them succeed and develop the skills needed to drive the company’s global growth.”

GE honored for “Most Innovative Practices”

“At GE, inclusiveness and diversity are core to our company culture and identity. Which is why we appreciate the contributions of our Asian Pacific American Forum to the careers of our employees, our businesses and the communities they serve,” said Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman and CEO. “It’s a tremendous honor to know that the Asia Society recognizes GE’s Affinity Network efforts as well.”

The Forum, hosted this year by Time Warner, brought together CEOs, senior leaders and decision-makers from Fortune 500 companies to discuss cutting-edge strategies related to leadership and career development — including managing a globally diverse workforce in the U.S. and Asia, cultural fluency, and promoting Asian American corporate leaders.

“As the leading global organization dedicated to promoting partnerships to build a shared future among Asians and Americans, Asia Society has focused on the many dimensions of the Asian American experience for over two decades,” said Asia Society President Vishakha Desai. “This diversity survey report and the accompanying Diversity Leadership Forum are key parts of our strategy to build a community of global leaders to strengthen U.S.-Asia and intra-Asian partnerships.”

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